In response to an item from the Tennessean contending that Titans defensive coordinator Ray Horton is “insulted” by the team for its handling of his interest in being a head coach, Horton tells PFT that he is not insulted in any way.
“I was very happy that the Strunk family gave me the interview,” Horton said by phone. “It was a great interview. They have told me that they are going to implement some of my ideas. I’m not insulted. I’m not mad. I’m very happy they gave me opportunity to interview. Not insulted. I would love to be a head coach in this league and will keep working very hard to be a head coach.”
As to the report from the Tennessean that the Titans have released Horton from his contract so that he can join the Browns as defensive coordinator, Horton said, “As far as I know, that is not true. No one has contacted me to say I’m free to go anywhere.”
The Tennessean reported that Horton has requested his release, and that the Titans have told Horton his request will be granted.
The notion that Horton is insulted came not from Horton but from Fritz Pollard Alliance chairman John Wooten, who seems to be doing plenty of misguided agitating to get coaches released from their contractual obligations. As evidenced by Horton’s remarks, Wooten’s efforts may be neither helpful, welcome, nor accurate.